Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
Relations Between Sleep and Temperament in Preschool Children With ADHD
Maria Grazia Melegari1, Stefania Sette1, Elena Vittori2
1Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the links between temperament and sleep in a group of preschoolers with ADHD. Method: Twenty-five ADHD (M = 5.37 years, SD = 1.09) and 22 typically developing (TD; M = 5.10, SD = 1.18) preschoolers participated in the study. Sleep was assessed with the Sleep Disturbance Scale and wrist actigraphy. The Preschool Temperament and Character Inventory (PsTCI) was used to evaluate the child temperament. Results: ADHD children showed a temperamental profile characterized by higher novelty seeking, lower persistence, self-directness, and cooperativeness and marginally lower harm avoidance (HA) compared with controls. HA was associated negatively to wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep fragmentation and positively with sleep efficiency and sleep time. Reward dependence was negatively associated with wake episode length. Conclusion: Sleep and temperament are correlated in preschoolers with ADHD and temperament might represent an intermediate endophenotype underlying the relation between ADHD and sleep disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Stages of Sleep
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Relative Risk
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

